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United States Patent |
5,243,803
|
Tabata
,   et al.
|
September 14, 1993
|
Module for expandable framework structure and expandable framework
structure employing said module
Abstract
An expandable framework structure is formed by connecting together a
plurality of polygonal prism-like framework structure modules with one
side of a module serving also as one side of another module adjacent
thereto. A module employed comprises stems each having a joint as well as
a slide hinge, pairs of pantograph-like diagonal members and cables. This
serves to provide an expandable framework structure having high stability
and reliability and which is free from any rattling of the connecting pin
at the pin connected portion. Thus, the expandable framework structure
provided is highly rigid and hence is capable of maintaining a stable
configuration after developed. The module employed also comprises vertical
frames, foldabIe members, main hinges, intermediate hinges and diagonal
cables. The rotational axis of the pin of the intermediate hinge deviates
from the center axis of the foldable member realized when it has been
unfolded. The foldable members and the diagonal cable, when stretched,
serve to maintain the configuration of the expandable framework structure
stable without additional latch mechanisms. Thus, an expandable framework
structure provided requires less components and hence is light and easy to
stow away.
Inventors:
|
Tabata; Masaki (Hyogo, JP);
Koizumi; Takayuki (Hyogo, JP)
|
Assignee:
|
Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo, JP)
|
Appl. No.:
|
983267 |
Filed:
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November 30, 1992 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Jul 05, 1988[JP] | 63-167320 |
Current U.S. Class: |
52/646; 52/645 |
Intern'l Class: |
E04H 012/18 |
Field of Search: |
52/108,646
343/915,DIG. 2,8
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
4475323 | Oct., 1984 | Schwartzberg | 52/646.
|
4482900 | Nov., 1984 | Bilek | 52/646.
|
4527362 | Jul., 1985 | Tobey | 52/646.
|
4896165 | Jan., 1990 | Koizumi | 343/915.
|
5014484 | May., 1991 | Tanizawa et al. | 52/646.
|
Other References
WO85/02434 International Application Published Under The Patent Cooperation
Treaty Jun. 1985; 2 sht of drawing; 14 pp. of spec.
|
Primary Examiner: Friedman; Carl D.
Assistant Examiner: Smith; Creighton
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
07/728,842 filed July 9, 1991, now abandoned which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/374,006 filed Jun. 29, 1989 now
abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A module for an expandable framework structure adapted to form an
orthogonal prism-like framework structure when expanded, the module
comprising:
a plurality of vertical frame members adapted to expand in a direction
radially outwardly from and being parallel to a central vertical axis of
the orthogonal prism when the module is fully expanded;
hinge means attached at opposite ends of each of the vertical frame
members, one of the hinge means on each of the frame members comprising a
hinge and a coil spring, the coil spring having one end engaging the hinge
and an opposite end engaging a coil spring support that moves vertically
relative to the hinge and that extends outwardly from the end of the
vertical frame member, the coil spring being compressed between the hinge
and the coil spring support, the hinge being positioned at an equal
distance from an opposing hinge of the respective vertical frame member in
each of an expanded position and a partially folded position;
foldable members joined to each of the main hinges and connecting adjacent
vertical frame members to form an orthogonal prism, the foldable members
each including an intermediate hinge that allows the foldable members to
fold substantially parallel to each of the vertical members when the
module is unexpanded and to unfold to be disposed substantially
perpendicular to each of the adjacent vertical members when the module is
fully expanded;
a plurality of diagonal cables located between opposing main hinges along
respective top and bottom surfaces of the orthongonal prism, the cables
sized to be in predetermined tension between the opposing main hinges when
the module is fully expanded, each of the diagonal cables lying
substantially in a plane with a center axis of each of the foldable
members when the module is fully expanded and a rotational axis of each
intermediate hinge positioned outside of and parallel to the plane when
the module is fully expanded;
a stopper located on the intermediate hinge for preventing extension of
hinged sections of the foldable member beyond 180.degree. relative to each
other when the module is fully expanded; and
a synchronous rod joined at one end to each adjacent hinged section of each
of the foldable members and joined at an opposing end to a respective coil
spring support, the synchronous rod being in tension in response to
compression of the coil spring and the synchronous rod transmitting
driving force from the coil spring to one of the foldable members to
expand the module.
2. A module according to claim 1, wherein said orthogonal prism is a
quadrangular prism.
3. A module according to claim 1, wherein said orthogonal prism is a
hexagonal prism.
4. An expandable framework structure formed by continuously connecting
together a plurality of modules for an expandable framework structure, the
modules each comprising a framework structure module adapted to form an
orthogonal prism when the module has been fully expanded and each of the
modules being continuously connected together in such a manner that one
side of the orthogonal prism is adapted to serve also as one side of an
adjacent orthogonal prism, wherein the modules each comprise:
a plurality of vertical frame members adapted to expand in a direction
radially outwardly from and being parallel to a central vertical axis of
the orthogonal prism when the module has been fully expanded;
hinge means attached at opposite ends of each of the vertical frame
members, one of the hinge means on each of the frame members comprising a
hinge and a coil spring, the coil spring having one end engaging the hinge
and an opposite end engaging a coil spring support that moves vertically
relative to the hinge and that extends outwardly from the end of the
vertical frame member, the coil spring being compressed between the hinge
and the coil spring support, the hinge being positioned at an equal
distance from an opposing hinge of the respective vertical frame member in
each of an expanded position and a partially folded position;
foldable members joined to each of the main hinges and connecting adjacent
vertical frame members to form an orthogonal prism, the foldable members
each including an intermediate hinge that allows the foldable members to
fold substantially parallel to each of the vertical members when the
module is unexpanded and to unfold to be disposed substantially
perpendicular to each of the adjacent vertical members when the module is
fully expanded;
a plurality of diagonal cables located between opposing main hinges along
respective top and bottom surfaces of the orthongonal prism, the cables
sized to be in predetermined tension between the opposing main hinges when
the module is fully expanded, each of the diagonal cables lying
substantially in a plane with a center axis of each of the foldable
members when the module is fully expanded and a rotational axis of each
intermediate hinge positioned outside of and parallel to the plane when
the module is fully expanded;
a stopper located on the intermediate hinge for preventing extension of
hinged sections of the foldable member beyond 180.degree. when the module
is fully expanded; and
a sychronous rod joined at one end to each adjacent hinged section of each
of the foldable members and joined at an opposing end to a respective coil
spring support, the synchronous rod being in tension in response to
compression of the coil spring and the synchronous rod transmitting
driving force from the coil spring to one of the foldable members to
expand the module.
5. An expandable framework structure according to claim 4, wherein said
orthogonal prism is a quadrangular prism.
6. An expandable framework structure according to claim 4, wherein said
orthogonal prism is a hexagonal prism.
7. An expandable module for an expandable framework structure comprising a
plurality of modules comprising:
a plurality of vertical frame members disposed about a vertical axis and
being parallel to the vertical axis, the frame members defining the
corners of an orthogonal prism when the module is in a fully expanded
state;
hinges attached to each of opposing ends of each of the vertical frame
members;
intermediate foldable members extending between each of adjacent hinges on
each of adjacent vertical frame members, the intermediate foldable members
defining sides of the orthogonal prism and each of the foldable members
lying in one of a top and a bottom plane of the prism when the module is
in a fully expanded state;
intermediate hinges positioned substantially in the middle of each of the
intermediate foldable members, the hinges constructed and arranged to
allow the intermediate foldable members to fold at the hinges and at the
intermediate hinges so that each of the intermediate foldable members may
be folded into two folding sections thereby bringing each vertical frame
members into closer proximity with adjacent vertical frame members, each
intermediate hinge including a pivot that is positioned out of line with a
center axis of the intermediate member and each intermediate hinge
including a stopper that prevents the intermediate hinge from folding
beyond 180.degree. so that the spacing between adjacent vertical frame
members must be increased slightly to move the intermediate foldable
members from an unfolded fully expanded module position to a folded
partially expanded module position;
a coil spring and a vertically movable coil spring support positioned at
one of the ends of each of the vertical frame members, the coil spring and
coil spring support of each vertical frame member being on an opposite end
of the vertical frame member from that on each of adjacent vertical frame
members, the coil spring support including an enlarged end section with
the coil spring support including an enlarged end section with the coil
spring positioned in compression between the enlarged end section and the
hinge, the coil spring support end section extending vertically outwardly
from the respective end of the vertical frame member further than the
respective end of the vertical frame member;
a pair of synchronous rods extending from the end section of each coil
spring support to each adjacent folding section of each of adjacent
intermediate foldable members, the coil spring support moving vertically
away from the hinge under compression of the coil spring to provide
tension to the synchronous rods to pull the adjacent sections of the
intermediate foldable members into an unfolded position wherein the module
is fully expanded; and
a plurality of diagonal cables extending from each hinge to a hinge on an
opposing vertical frame member, the cables lying substantially in the top
plane and the bottom plane of the orthogonal prism and the cables each
having a length that causes slight tension therein when the module is
fully expanded so that the intermediate foldable members are maintained by
the tension in an unfolded position when the module is fully expanded.
8. A module according to claim 7 wherein the orthongonal prism comprises a
hexagonal prism with each of the vertical frame members defining a corner
of a hexagon.
9. A module according to claim 8 further comprising a plurality of diagonal
cables extending between hinges located on opposite ends of adjacent
vertical frame members so as to form a crossing pattern on each side of
the orthongonal prism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates particularly to an expandable framework
structure which is light, highly rigid and easy to stow away for use for a
large-diameter expandable antenna designed to be mounted on an artificial
satellite.
Recently, the performance of spacecrafts such as the Space Shuttle and
Ariane rocket has been improved, and the reliability of these spacecrafts
has also been enhanced. Because of this, the economic merits in using the
spacecrafts in space have been acknowledged.
A large-sized expandable antenna is inevitably necessary for establishing
communications between moving objects such as seacrafts, vehicles and so
forth; and a high level of competition in the development of expandable
framework structure schemes for use in constituting such a large-sized
expandable antenna has been taking place. There is also a plan to build
gigantic space bases in space. In addition to its application in
spacecraft, the expandable framework structure (expandable truss
structure) as a basic structure scheme for such gigantic space bases is
now one of the crucial development themes to be dealt with in order to
realize the construction of such space bases. It is widely accepted that
the expandable structure scheme is one of the most economical ways of
constructing a gigantic structure with relative ease.
FIGS. 9 and 10 are, respectively, front and side views of an expandable
framework structure, which is in a stowed state, used for a conventional
expandable antenna such as the one disclosed in the official gazette of
Japanese Patent Public Disclosure No. 59-28704 (1984), and FIGS. 11 and 12
are also front and side views of the same which is in an unfolded state,
respectively. In these figures, reference numerals 11a, 11b denote hinges,
and reference numerals 12a, 12b frame members adapted to be connected to
each other by means of the hinges 11a, 11b at the ends thereof so as to
form a hoop-like shape as a whole. Reference numeral 13 denotes support
wires, and reference numeral 14 a mesh-like flexible film adapted to
function as the reflector of the antenna. This flexible film 14 is
designed to be expanded and retained in place by means of the support
wires 13, as shown in FIG. 11.
The operation of the above-described expandable framework structure shown
in FIGS. 9 to 12 as used with the conventional expandable antenna will be
described next. When an artificial satellite is launched, the frame
members 12a, 12b which are connected to each other by the hinges 11a, 11b
at the ends thereof are, as shown in FIG. 9, folded at the hinged portions
and are fixed to the side wall of the satellite by means of fixing devices
(not shown). When the satellite has been sent into orbit, the fixing
devices are released, and the frame members 12a, 12b are then developed by
the action of torque (driving force) generated by spiral springs (not
shown) incorporated in the hinges 11a, 11b and are looked in place by
means of incorporated latch devices (not shown) when they are developed to
a predetermined position, whereby a hoop-shaped frame structure is formed
as a whole, as shown in FIG. 11. At the same time as the frame members
12a, 12b are developed, the flexible film 14 secured to the frame members
by means of the support wires 13 are also expanded, and when the frame
members 12a, 12b have formed the hoop-shaped frame structure, the flexible
film 14 is caused to spread out inside the frame members 12a, 12b, and
thereby forms an electric wave reflector for the expandable antenna.
In addition, FIG. 13 shows the structure of another conventional expandable
framework structure disclosed in the "IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND
PROPAGATION", Vol. AP-17, 4th issue (1969). In the figure, reference
numeral 21 denotes foldable members constituting the upper and lower
triangular frameworks for the expandable framework structure and adapted
to be folded at the intermediate positions thereof, and reference numeral
22 diagonal members for supporting the upper and lower triangular
frameworks, and reference numeral 23 denotes joints for pins connecting
the foldable members 21 and the diagonal members 22.
FIG. 14 is a side view, partially cut away, showing the constitution of the
foldable member used with the expandable framework structure shown in FIG.
13, wherein the detailed constitution of the intermediate portion of the
foldable member 21 where folding of the same actually takes place is
shown. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes foldable members;
reference numerals 25a, 25b denote rotatable hinge levers comprising two
sheets which are pin connected to each other, reference numeral 26 a
spiral spring mounted on one 25b of the hinge levers at the joint portion
thereof to rotate the hinge levers 25a, 25b in the direction in which the
foldable member 21 is developed, and reference numerals 27a, 27b denote
connecting pins for connecting the hinge levers 25a, 25b to the foldabIe
member 21 with reference numeral 27cdenoting a connecting pin for
connecting the foldable members 21 to each other at a position making an
intermediate portion of the so connected foldable members 21. FIG. 15 is a
side view showing the configuration of the foldable member 21 shown in
FIG. 14 which is in an expanded state. FIG. 16 shows the configuration of
the expandable framework structure shown in FIG. 13 which is being
expanded. The foldable members 21, diagonal members 22 and joints 23 are
also shown as being expanded.
The operation of the conventional expandable framework structure shown in
FIGS. 13 to 16 will be described below. Initially the expandable framework
structure is stowed and retained in that state by means of retaining
cables (not shown). Once a command for expansion is sent from the ground,
the retaining cables are cut and broken by virtue of an explosion of an
explosive tube(s), whereby the expandable framework structure is put ready
to expand and starts to expand by the action of the elastic force of the
spiral springs 26. The spiral springs 26 rotate associated hinge levers
25a, 25b by virtue of the elastic force thereof, and this in turn rotates
the foldable members 21 about associtated connecting pins 27c, whereby the
foldable members 21 are unfolded. The joints 23 on the upper and lower
sides are caused to radially spread out as the foldabIe members 21 are
caused to unfold, and the expansion of the expandable framework structure
thus progresses. When the foldable members 21 have been linearly unfolded,
the rotational torque generated by means of the hinge levers 25a, 25b
which are actuated by the action of the elastic force of the spiral spring
26, balances with the pressure applied to the plane of contact between the
respective connected ends of the foldable members 21. This serves to cease
the expansion of the foldable members 21, so as to allow them to form a
linear configuration as shown in FIG. 15. In this state, the hinge levers
25a, 25b are substantially in parallel to each other, and the angle formed
between the center axis of the so expanded foldabIe members 21 and the
hinge levers 25a, 25b is as low as about 15 degrees. Due to this
configuration, even if a force is applied to the foldable members 21 in an
attempt to re-fold the same, the hinge levers 25a, 25b are caused to
thrust out at each other in the axial direction. The hinge levers 25a, 25b
thus function as a latch for preventing the re-folding of the foldable
members 21.
In the expandable framework structure shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 that is
constructed as described above and which was used with a conventional
expandable antenna, in a case where, for instance, it is used in
constructing a large-diameter expandable antenna, the frame members 12a,
12b which are connected to each other at the ends thereof by means of the
hinges 11a, 11b are first expanded to form a single large-diameter
hoop-shaped frame structure, and the mesh-like flexible film 14 is
supported only by the structure. The flexible film 14 has no highly rigid
members thereon except the peripheral portion. This reduces the overall
rigidity of the antenna, and hence often causes a problem that the antenna
fails to maintain its desired shape in the event that external force acts
on the antenna in an attempt to control the direction thereof.
Furthermore, in the case of the conventional expandable framework structure
shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 that is constructed as described above,
attachments like the hinge levers 25a, 25b which are essentially
unnecessary for the construction of the antenna must be provided. This
serves to increase the number of components used and hence causes problems
such as those of reduction in reliability, weight increase, increase of
volume when stowed and so forth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention was made to solve the abovementioned problems. An
object of the present invention is to provide an expandable framework
structure which exhibits high rigidity, which is light and easy to stow
away, and hence which is suitable for use in constructing a large-sized
structure like a large-diameter support structure for a reflector for an
antenna.
In an expandable framework structure according to the present invention,
foldable and expandable framework structure elements are used as base
elements and each of the base elements are comprised of stems each of
which has a joint and a slide hinge as well as pairs of pantograph-like
diagonal members, with each pin connected to the associated joints and
slide hinges on the stems as well as to each other at the intermediate
portion thereof. The so constituted base elements are connected together
so as to form a polygonal prism like a quadrangular or hexagonal prism
with one side of the respective base elements serving as a side common to
two adjacent base elements. In addition, cables are provided to be
stretched, respectively, between the adjacent joints, adjacent slide
hinges, diagonally facing joints and diagonally facing slide hinges of a
polygonal prism like a hexagonal or quadrangular prism.
In another type of expandable framework structure of the present invention,
foldabIe members which are pin connected to each other by means of an
intermediate hinge in such a manner as to linearly extend when developed,
are interposed between main hinges in such a manner that the rotational
axis of a connecting pin for the intermediate hinge deviates from the
central axis of the foldable members, formed after being developed at the
pin connected portion of the intermediate hinge. The intermediate hinge
has a stopper for restricting the rotation of the foldable members to such
an extent that an angle formed by the respective foldable members does not
exceed 180 degrees. In addition, cables are provided which are stretched
with a predetermined degree of tension between the diagonally facing main
hinges on the plane fictitiously including the central axis of the
foldable members adapted to linearly extend when developed and parallel to
the rotational axis of the connecting pin after the expandable framework
structure has been developed.
When used in constructing a large-sized structure like a large-diameter
expandable antenna, since the expandable framework structure according to
the present invention is constructed such that foldable and expandable
framework structure elements serving as base elements comprise stems each
having a joint and a slide hinge as well as pairs of pantograph-like
diagonal members, each pair of the last being pin connected to the
associated joints and slide hinges on the stems, as well as being
connected to each other at the intermediate portion thereof, and that the
so configured base elements are connected together so as to form a
polygonal prism like a quadrangular or hexagonal prism with one side of
the respective base elements serving as a side common to two adjacent base
elements. I.e. since a number of rigid members are disposed not only on
the peripheral portion forming the expandable antenna but also in the
internal portion thereof, it is possible to construct a highly rigid
expandable framework structure as a whole. In addition, since the cables
provided are to be stretched, respectively, between the joints and the
slide hinges once the base elements have been expanded, they serve to
produce compression forces acting on the diagonal members so as to realize
a state of equilibrium. Thus any rattling of the connecting pin at the pin
connected portion can be eliminated, and the configuration of the antenna
can thus be stably maintained once it has been expanded.
Furthermore, since the expandable framework structure according to the
present invention is constructed so that the foldable members connected to
each other by means of the intermediate hinge are disposed in such a
manner that the rotational axis of the connecting pin deviates from the
central axis of the foldable member, realized when they are developed; and
the distance between the main hinges disposed at the ends of the foldable
member reaches its maximum when the foldable member is unfolded to such an
extent that the connecting pins connecting the main hinges and the
foldable member at the ends thereof, and the pin of the intermediate hinge
are brought into alignment with each other. While the distance becomes
substantially less than the maximum when the foldabIe member is expanded
to the final expansion point thereof. The final expansion point of the
foldable member referred to herein indicates a state wherein the foldable
member is caused to be linearly stretched with a stopper surface formed on
the intermediate hinge being brought into contact with a surface
corresponding thereto, whereby surface pressure is produced thereat; the
expansion of the foldabIe member thus being restricted by the so produced
surface pressure. The diagonal cable provided to be stretched between the
main hinges is caused to extend in accordance with the distance between
the main hinges; and at the time when the foldable member is unfolded to
the final expansion point, the cable is stretched to slightly less than
its maximum extent. In contrast, when trying to refold the foldable
members from their unfolded state, the diagonal cable must first be
stretched to its maximum extention point before it is restored to its
folded state. In order to make this possible, extra energy must be applied
from outside to stretch the diagonal cable. As is clear from this, the
expandable framework structure expanded to the final expansion point is
stable in terms of energy, and a stable state such as could be realized by
an expandable framework structure with latch mechanisms can thus be
realized without any attachment components other than the essentially
necessary construction members. Due to the absence of such attachements,
the expandable framework structure according to the present invention is
highly rigid after being expanded and also light. Moreover, the expandable
framework structure of the invention requires less space for stowage, and
hence is easy to stow away.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable framework structure according
to one embodiment of the present invention showing the configuration of
the same which has been expanded,
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the expandable framework structure shown in
FIG. 1 showing the configuration of the same which is being expanded,
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the expandable framework structure shown in
FIG. 1 showing the configuration of the same which has been expanded,
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an expandable framework structure according to
another embodiment of the present invention showing the configuration of
the same which has been expanded,
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an expandable framework structure according
to still another embodiment of the present invention showing the
configuration of the same which has been expanded,
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the expandable framework structure shown in
FIG. 5 showing the configuration of the same which is being expanded,
FIGS. 7 and 8 are side views of the foldable members of the expandable
framework structure shown in FIG. 5; the former showing the configuration
of the same which have been developed and the latter showing the
configuration of the same which are being expanded, respectively,
FIGS. 9 and 10 are a front view and side view, respectively, of an
expandable framework structure used for a conventional expandable antenna
showing the configuration of the same which is folded to stow away,
FIGS. 11 and 12 are a front view and side view, respectively, of the
expandable framework structure shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 showing the
configuration of the same which is expanded,
FIG. 13 shows the constitution of the conventional expandable framework
structure,
FIG. 14 is a partially cut away side view showing the constitution of the
foldable members of the expandable framework structure shown in FIG. 13,
FIG. 15 is a side view of the foldable members shown in FIG. 14 showing the
configuration of the same which have been expanded, and
FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the expandable framework structure shown
in FIG. 13 which is being expanded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable framework structure according
to one embodiment of the present invention showing the configuration of
the same which has been expanded, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the
expandable framework structure shown in FIG. 1 showing the configuration
of the same which is being expanded, and FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the
expandable framework structure showing the configuration of the same which
has been expanded. In these figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a joint
having pin-joint portions, reference numeral 2 a stem having such a joint
1 at one end thereof, reference numeral 3 a slide hinge adapted to slide
over the stem 2, reference numeral 4 a stopper secured to the stem 2 and
adapted to define the bottom dead center for the slide hinge 3, and
reference numerals 5a, 5b denote diagonal members. The diagonal member 5a
is pin-jointed to the slide hinge 3 at one end thereof and to the joint 1
on an adjacent stem 2 at the other end, and is adapted to rotate about the
axis perpendicular relative to the stem 2. The diagonal member 5a and the
diagonal member 5b, which is pin-jointed to a slide hinge 3 on the
adjacent stem 2, are pin-jointed to each other at an intermediate
pin-joint portion 8 so as to form a so-called pantograph-like
configuration. Structures comprising the stem 2 and the diagonal members
5a, 5b are connected to each other in a continuous and periodic manner via
the joints 1, and the slide hinges 3 so as to form hexagonal prism-like
modules which are in turn connected to each other in such a manner, as
shown in FIG. 3, that one side of a hexagonal prism-like module serves as
a side of an adjacent hexagonal prism-like module in connecting two
adjacent modules.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a cable provided to be stretched between the
two slide hinges 3 or the two joints 1, and reference numeral 7 denotes a
cable provided to be stretched diagonally on the hexagonal plane of the
hexagonal prism-like module. These cables 6 and 7 are cut to predetermined
lengths in advance so as to exhibit a predetermined tension when they are
stretched as intended. The cables 7 are omitted in FIG. 2 in order to
avoid any confusion that would be caused by the depiction of the same.
The operation of the expandable framework structure according to one
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be
described next. The expandable framework structure of the present
invention, when stowed away, is folded to such an extent that the angle 0
(see FIG. 2) formed between the stem 2 and the diagonal member 5a or 5b
becomes nearly zero, and the folded state is retained by means of an
external retaining device (not shown). In contrast, when it is unfolded,
once the retaining device is released, the diagonal members 5a, 5b are
expanded by the action of a driving force generated by means of spiral
springs (not shown) mounted around pin shafts of the pin-joint portions 8,
the joints 1, or the slide hinges 3, and the angle 0 increases. At this
moment, the slide hinge 3 starts to slide over the stem 2 and gradually
approaches toward the vicinity of the joint 1 from a point farthest away
from the joint 1 as the diagonal members 5a, 5b develop. When the slide
hinge 3 slides to a predetermined position, it comes into abutment with
the stopper 4, and the expansion of the diagonal members 5a, 5b is thus
ceased. The cables 6, 7 are of such lengths as to be stretched between the
joints 1 or the slide hinges 3 under a predetermined tension exhibited in
this state, whereby the joints 1 and slide hinges 3 are pressed against
the associated diagonal members 5a, 5b, thus eliminating any loose pin
joints at the pin-joint portions 8 of the respective joints 1 and slide
hinges S. Therefore the present invention can provide a highly rigid
expandable framework structure. In addition, since the diagonal members
5a, 5b are pin-jointed not only to the joints 1 and the slide hinges 3 at
the ends thereof but also to each other at the intermediate pin-joint
portions 8 thereof. The expansion angles .theta. of all of the diagonal
members 5a, 5b become equal, thus making it possible to realize a
synchronous expansion.
In this embodiment, when the diagonal members 5a, 5b are in a developed
state, the slide hinges 3 are pressed against their associated stoppers 4
to be secured in place at that position by the action of the driving force
of the spiral springs that effects the expansion of the diagonal members
5a, 5b. However, suitable latch mechanisms may be provided for
latch-securing the slide hinges 3 in place at a predetermined position
when they are brought to such a position.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, three hexagonal prism-like modules are
connected together as shown in FIG. 3, but it may be possible to combine
more hexagonal prism-like modules by repeatedly forming and combining such
three-module patterns so that a large-scale expandable framework structure
such as used as a reflector support structure for a large-diameter
expandable antenna can easily be constructed.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the cables 7 are provided to be diagonally
stretched on the hexagonal plane of the hexagonal prism-like module, but
the cables 7 may be stretched between the joints or the slide hinges 3
such as to connect them in an alternate manner, forming triangular
configurations between the joints 1 or the slide hinges S as is clear from
FIG. 4 showing another embodiment of the present invention
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spiral springs disposed at the
pin-joint portions 8 are used as a driving force to expand the diagonal
members 5a, 5b, but tension springs may be provided between the slide
hinges 3 and the joints 1 for the same purpose.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an expandable framework structure according
to another embodiment of the present invention showing the configuration
of the same which has been expanded, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of
the expandable framework structure shown in FIG. 5 showing the
configuration of the same which is being expanded. FIGS. 7 and 8 are side
views of the expandable framework structure shown in FIG. 5 showing the
configurations of foldable members of the same which have been expanded
and which are being developed, respectively. In these figures, reference
numeral 31 denotes a vertical frame disposed at an angle of a polygonal
prism and having main hinges 32 that are nonmovably and fixedly attached
at the ends thereof; reference numeral 33 is a diagonal cable diagonally
stretched on the top and bottom surfaces of the polygonal prism and
connected to the main hinge 32 at the ends thereof; reference numeral 34
is a coil spring for providing a driving force to expand the framework
structure; reference numeral 35 a synchronous rod for transmitting the
expanding force generated by the coil spring 34 to a foldable member 36,
reference numeral 37 an intermediate hinge for jointing the foldable
member 36 at the intermediate portion thereof so as to allow it to be
unfolded and folded: reference numeral 38a a pin acting as a rotational
shaft about which the intermediate hinge 37 is rotated, reference numeral
38b a stopper surface formed on the intermediate hinge 37 with which an
abutment surface is brought into contact when the foldable member 36 is
developed and is linearly stretched; reference numeral 39 a fictitious
line showing the position of the diagonal cable 33 when the foldable
member 36 has been unfolded, and reference numerals 40a, 40b are
joint-pins for use in pin-jointing the foldable member 36 to the main
hinges 32. The rotational axis of the pin 38a is caused to deviate from
the center axis (the fictitious line 39 connecting the joint-pin 40a to
the joint-pin 40b) of the foldable member 36, realized after it has been
unfolded in the direction reverse to the direction in which the foldable
member 36 is folded. The diagonal cables 33 rest on the plane in which the
center axis of the foldable members 36 are contained, and when seen in the
direction of the rotational axis of the pin 38a, the cables 33 rest on the
fictitious line 39.
The synchronous rods 35 are mounted to a coil spring support 41 that
extends outwardly from one of the main hinges 32 on each of the vertical
frame members 31. In general, only one coil spring 34 and coil spring
support 41 is provided for each vertical frame member 31 and these
supports 41 are generally mounted, in a preferred embodiment, on opposite
main hinges on each of adjacent frame members. The coil spring support 41
is somewhat plunger-shaped, having an enlarged diameter head 42 at its
outermost end. The head 42 has the synchronous rods 35 attached thereto.
The smaller diameter stalk of the coil spring support 41 (shown generally
as reference numeral 43) extends from the head 42 to the main hinge 32.
The stalk can be sized to travel within a hollow inner diameter of the
respective vertical frame member 31. Around the stalk is positioned the
coil spring 34. The coil spring is restrained at its respective ends by
the head 41 and upper face 45 of the main hinge 32.
When the intermediate foldable members 36 are folded downwardly (see FIG.
6), the synchronous rods 35 are brought into tension which causes the
support 41 to move downwardly toward the main hinge 32, thus compressing
the spring 34. Hence, in a folded state, the supports 41 exert significant
tension on the synchronous rods 35. This tension allows the module to
unfold in a deployed state. In such a deployed state, some minimal force
is still exerted by the coil springs 34 on the supports 41 so as to assist
in maintaining the deployed frame in a fully unfolded state. As will be
described further below, the offset positioning of the stopper hinges 37,
in combination with the residual tension generated by the coil springs 34
on the synchronous rods 35 further assists in maintaining the module in a
deployed state in which predetermined force must be utilized to refold the
module. Note that the fixed attachment of the main hinges 32 to their
respective vertical frame members 31 results in a constant spacing between
hinges in both a deployed and undeployed state and at all times
therebetween. All tension is generated by the relatively shortmoving coil
spring supports 41 during module expansion. Hence, a relatively linearly
compact arrangement can be maintained using the module according to this
embodiment.
The operation of the expandable framework structure according to another
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 5 to 8 will next be
described. In the expandable framework structure of the second embodiment
of the present invention, when the expandable framework structure is
stowed, the foldable members 36 are folded at an intermediate position
thereof by means of the intermediate hinges 37 in the directions in which
the respective folded portions thereof deviate from the top and bottom
surfaces of the polygonal prism, respectively, i.e., in the directions in
which the respective folded portions moves toward the internal area of the
side of the polygonal prism which the foldable members 36 partially
constitute. The foldable members 36 are folded to such an extent that the
angle formed between the vertical frames 31 and the foldable members 36
becomes nearly nil, and the so folded expandable framework structure is
retained in such a state by means of an external retaining device (not
shown). In contrast, when the structure is expanded, once the retaining
device is released, the foldable members 36 are first raised by the action
of the restoring force of the coil springs 34, which acts as driving
force, via the synchronous rods 35 and the foldable members 36 are then
gradually unfolded. When the respective foldable members 36 are unfolded
to be linearly stretched, the respective stoppers 38 are brought into
contact with a surface corresponding thereto, thereby generating a surface
pressure which acts to restrict and cease the rotational operation of the
respective foldabIe members 36, and the expansion of the expandable
framework structure is thus terminated. The length of the diagonal cables
33 is adjusted in advance such as to exhibit a predetermined tension when
they have been stretched between the main hinges 32 in synchronism with
the termination of expansion of the foldable members 36. The so stretched
diagonal cables 33 serve as a basic construction member for preventing the
deformation of the top and bottom surfaces of the polygonal prism.
The constitutional characteristics of the expandable framework structure
according to this second embodiment of the present invention are such that
the rotational axis of the intermediate hinge 37 deviates from the center
axis of the foldable member 36, which is realized when the latter has been
unfolded, and that the plane in which the diagonal cables 3S are stretched
rests on the center axis of the foldabIe member 36 which fictitiously
connects the joint-pin 40a, disposed at one end of the foldable member 36,
to the joint-pin 40b disposed at the other end thereof. The foldable
member 36 is designed to be folded on the side opposed to the pin 38a
relative to the center axis and is unfolded from its folded and stowed
state through a state shown in FIG. 8 in which the foldable member 36 is
being unfolded to a final expantion state shown in FIG. 7. The distance
between the joint-pins 40a, 40b disposed at the ends of the foldable
member 36, respectively, reaches its maximum when the joint-pins 40a, 40b
and the pin 38a of the intermediate hinge 37 are brought into alignment
with each other. In this state, the foldable member 36 has not been
stretched completely linearly but is in a state very close to the
completely stretched state. At the time when the foldable member 36 is
developed to the final expansion state thereof, the distance between the
joint-pins 40a, 40b is slightly less than its maximum length. In contrast,
when the foldable member 36 is folded from its final expantion state the
diagonal cable 33 stretched between the main hinges 32 must be
re-stretched to its maximum length before it is folded. This means that in
order to fold the once expanded expandable framework structure, additional
energy must be applied so as to re-stretch the diagonal cable 33. This
necessity for additional energy serves as a latch mechanism for preventing
the expanded expandable framework structure from being easily folded even
if external force is applied thereto, whereby the configuration of the
expanded expandable framework structure can be stably maintained. In
addition, this latching mechanism of the present invention comprises the
diagonal cables 33 and the foldabIe members 36 which are essential
construction members. This obviates the necessity for additional
mechanisms comprising attachment components, and therefore the number of
components used can be reduced to a minimum level. In FIG. 6, the diagonal
cables 33 are omitted therefrom for the sake of simplicity.
In this second embodiment, hexagonal prism-like frame structures are used
only to form the expandable framework structure, but other polygonal
prism-like frame structures such as a quadrangular prism-like frame
structure and so forth may be used. In addition, a number of such frame
structures may be connected together to form a large-scale expandable
framework structure.
Furthermore, the foldable members 36 and the intermediate hinges 37 which
are used as constituent elements in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may be
used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in place of the cables 6 provided
to be stretched between the adjacent slide hinges or joints 1, in which
case the same advantages as those offered in the former embodiment may be
offered. The coil springs 34 and the synchronous rods 35 may be used as a
driving source for expansion of the structure together with the foldable
members 36.
The expandable framework structure of the present invention, is constructed
in such a way that the foldable and expandable framework structure
elements which serve as base elements, comprise stems each having a joint
as well as a slide hinge and pairs of pantograph-like diagonal members.
Each pair of the latter are pin-jointed to the associated joints and slide
hinges on the stems, as well as being pin-jointed to each other at the
intermediate portions thereof. The base elements so configured are
connected together so as to form a polygonal prism like a quadrangular or
hexagonal prism with one side of the respective base elements serving as a
side common to two adjacent base elements. It is therefore possible to
construct a highly rigid expandable framework structure like a reflector
support structure for a large-diameter expandable antenna. In addition,
since the frame structures functioning as base elements are formed like a
pantograph, all of the expandable members are expanded in a synchronous
fashion, and the so constructed expandable framework structure can thus
provide high stability and reliability. Furthermore, the cables are
adapted to stretch when the framework structure has been expanded, any
rattling of the connecting pin at the pin connected portion can be
eliminated. Thus, the present invention can advantageously provide an
expandable framework structure that is capable of maintaining a stable
highly rigid, configuration after it has been unfolded.
Furthermore, the expandable framework structure according to the present
invention is comprised of base elements each comprising in turn a
plurality of frame members jointed to each other by means of a plurality
of hinges, and it is constructed in such a way that the respective
foldabIe members disposed between the main hinges are pin-jointed by means
of the intermediate hinges in such a manner as to be allowed to linearly
stretch when they are expanded, so that the rotational axis of the pin
used deviates from the center axis of the foldabIe member that would be
realized when it has been developed. And the diagonal cable stretched
between the main hinges under a predetermined tension rests on the center
axis of the foldable member that would be realized when it is developed.
The configuration of the expandable framework structure can be stabilized
as in the case where a latch mechanism is used without additional
mechanisms comprising attachment components. Thus, the present invention
can advantageously provide an expandable framework structure that requires
less components, which is light and easy to stow away, and which serves to
further improve the stability of its configuration after it has been
expanded.
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